Harnessing our own adaptive automation tech, the reimagined Beckhoff production line delivers complete flexibility to accommodate simultaneous programming and testing of a broad range of I/O terminal types. At Beckhoff , we develop technologies that help automation leaders rethink what’s possible. But it’s not enough to tell others what to do. We want to lead by example. So we’re sharing a look behind the scenes at a recent in-house application using our XPlanar adaptive automation system.
Keeping pace with the growth that Beckhoff achieves is a constant challenge for Michael Golz, head of the Demo Systems department at our global headquarters in Verl, Germany. So it’s important not to get stuck in the status quo for Golz and his team of approximately 40 employees, who build our manufacturing equipment, among other tasks. In fall 2021, Golz’s team and our product management experts reimagined how we perform final inspections of I/O components. The goal was to exponentially increase testing capacity in a high-mix low-volume (HML) process. 
The resulting I/O manufacturing system can program, adjust and test 1,200 terminals per hour (about 10,000 per shift) fully automatically.
The sophisticated concept depends on our XPlanar, PC-based control and a wide range of EtherCAT solutions, working in concert with specially developed firmware and test stations. This ideal mix of technologies delivers high speed and throughput as well as flexibility for today and tomorrow. Learn more about the application and watch a video showing how it works.
